WWW.HISPEOPLE.ORG Bible Study ToolsBible VersionsEphesiansEphesians 1Ephesians 1:15Compare Translations Compare Translations for Ephesians 1:15 Compare Translations Ephesians 1:15 ASV American Standard Version For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which [ye show] toward all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 ASV | Read Ephesians 1:15 ASV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 BBE Bible in Basic English For this cause I, having had news of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and which you make clear to all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 BBE | Read Ephesians 1:15 BBE in parallel Ephesians 1:15 CEB Common English Bible Since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all Gods people, this is the reason that Read Ephesians 1 CEB | Read Ephesians 1:15 CEB in parallel Ephesians 1:15 CJB Complete Jewish Bible For this reason, ever since I heard about your trust in the Lord Yeshua and your love for all Gods people, Read Ephesians 1 CJB | Read Ephesians 1:15 CJB in parallel Ephesians 1:15 RHE Douay-Rheims Wherefore, I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus and of your love towards all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 RHE | Read Ephesians 1:15 RHE in parallel Ephesians 1:15 ESV English Standard Version For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 ESV | Read Ephesians 1:15 ESV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 GW GODS WORD Translation I, too, have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of Gods people. For this reason Read Ephesians 1 GW | Read Ephesians 1:15 GW in parallel Ephesians 1:15 GNT Good News Translation For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of Gods people, Read Ephesians 1 GNT | Read Ephesians 1:15 GNT in parallel Ephesians 1:15 HNV Hebrew Names Version For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Yeshua which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the holy ones, Read Ephesians 1 HNV | Read Ephesians 1:15 HNV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 CSB Holman Christian Standard This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 CSB | Read Ephesians 1:15 CSB in parallel Ephesians 1:15 KJV King James Version Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 KJV | Read Ephesians 1:15 KJV in parallel | Interlinear view Ephesians 1:15 LEB Lexham English Bible Because of this I also, hearing of {your faith} in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 LEB | Read Ephesians 1:15 LEB in parallel Ephesians 1:15 NAS New American Standard For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 NAS | Read Ephesians 1:15 NAS in parallel | Interlinear view Ephesians 1:15 NCV New Century Version That is why since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all Gods people, Read Ephesians 1 NCV | Read Ephesians 1:15 NCV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 NIRV New International Readers Version I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus. I have also heard about your love for all of Gods people. That is why Read Ephesians 1 NIRV | Read Ephesians 1:15 NIRV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 NIV New International Version For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 NIV | Read Ephesians 1:15 NIV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 NKJV New King James Version Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 NKJV | Read Ephesians 1:15 NKJV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 NLT New Living Translation Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, Read Ephesians 1 NLT | Read Ephesians 1:15 NLT in parallel Ephesians 1:15 NRS New Revised Standard I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason Read Ephesians 1 NRS | Read Ephesians 1:15 NRS in parallel Ephesians 1:15 RSV Revised Standard Version For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 RSV | Read Ephesians 1:15 RSV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 DBY The Darby Translation Wherefore *I* also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which [is] in you, and the love which [ye have] towards all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 DBY | Read Ephesians 1:15 DBY in parallel Ephesians 1:15 MSG The Message Thats why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the Christians, Read Ephesians 1 MSG | Read Ephesians 1:15 MSG in parallel Ephesians 1:15 WBT The Webster Bible Wherefore I also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 WBT | Read Ephesians 1:15 WBT in parallel Ephesians 1:15 TMB Third Millennium Bible Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 TMB | Read Ephesians 1:15 TMB in parallel Ephesians 1:15 TNIV Todays New International Version For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all his people, Read Ephesians 1 TNIV | Read Ephesians 1:15 TNIV in parallel Ephesians 1:15 TYN Tyndale Wherfore even I (after that I hearde of the fayth which ye have in the lorde Iesu and love vnto all the saynctes) Read Ephesians 1 TYN | Read Ephesians 1:15 TYN in parallel Ephesians 1:15 WNT Weymouth New Testament For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which prevails among you, and of your love for all Gods people, Read Ephesians 1 WNT | Read Ephesians 1:15 WNT in parallel Ephesians 1:15 WEB World English Bible For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 WEB | Read Ephesians 1:15 WEB in parallel Ephesians 1:15 WYC Wycliffe Therefore and I hearing your faith, that is in Christ Jesus, and the love into all saints, Read Ephesians 1 WYC | Read Ephesians 1:15 WYC in parallel Ephesians 1:15 YLT Youngs Literal Translation Because of this I also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and the love to all the saints, Read Ephesians 1 YLT | Read Ephesians 1:15 YLT in parallel Ephesians 1 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) Chapter 1 This epistle was written when St. Paul was a prisoner at Rome. The design appears to be to strengthen the Ephesians in the faith of Christ, and to give exalted views of the love of God, and of the dignity and excellence of Christ, fortifying their minds against the scandal of the cross. He shows that they were saved by grace, and that however wretched they once were, they now had equal privileges with the Jews. He encourages them to persevere in their Christian calling, and urges them to walk in a manner becoming their profession, faithfully discharging the general and common duties of religion, and the special duties of particular relations. A salutation, and an account of saving blessings, as prepared in Gods eternal election, as purchased by Christs blood. (1-8) And as conveyed in effectual calling: this is applied to the believing Jews, and to the believing Gentiles. (9-14) The apostle thanks God for their faith and love, and prays for the continuance of their knowledge and hope, with respect to the heavenly inheritance, and to Gods powerful working in them. (15-23) ephesians 1:1 ephesians 1:2 . All Christians must be saints; if they come not under that character on earth, they will never be saints in glory. Those are not saints, who are not faithful, believing in Christ, and true to the profession they make of relation to their Lord. By grace, understand the free and undeserved love and favour of God, and those graces of the Spirit which come from it; by peace, all other blessings, spiritual and temporal, the fruits of the former. No peace without grace. No peace, nor grace, but from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ; and the best saints need fresh supplies of the graces of the Spirit, and desire to grow. Verses 3-8 Spiritual and heavenly blessings are the best blessings; with which we cannot be miserable, and without which we cannot but be so. This was from the choice of them in Christ, before the foundation of the world, that they should be made holy by separation from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, in consequence of their election in Christ. All who are chosen to happiness as the end, are chosen to holiness as the means. In love they were predestinated, or fore-ordained, to be adopted as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, and to be openly admitted to the privileges of that high relation to himself. The reconciled and adopted believer, the pardoned sinner, gives all the praise of his salvation to his gracious Father. His love appointed this method of redemption, spared not his own Son, and brought believers to hear and embrace this salvation. It was rich grace to provide such a surety as his own Son, and freely to deliver him up. This method of grace gives no encouragement to evil, but shows sin in all its hatefulness, and how it deserves vengeance. The believers actions, as well as his words, declare the praises of Divine mercy. Verses 9-14 Blessings were made known to believers, by the Lords showing to them the mystery of his sovereign will, and the method of redemption and salvation. But these must have been for ever hidden from us, if God had not made them known by his written word, preached gospel, and Spirit of truth. Christ united the two differing parties, God and man, in his own person, and satisfied for that wrong which caused the separation. He wrought, by his Spirit, those graces of faith and love, whereby we are made one with God, and among ourselves. He dispenses all his blessings, according to his good pleasure. His Divine teaching led whom he pleased to see the glory of those truths, which others were left to blaspheme. What a gracious promise that is, which secures the gift of the Holy Ghost to those who ask him! The sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit seal believers as the children of God, and heirs of heaven. These are the first-fruits of holy happiness. For this we were made, and for this we were redeemed; this is the great design of God in all that he has done for us; let all be ascribed unto the praise of his glory. Verses 15-23 God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer. Even the best Christians need to be prayed for: and while we hear of the welfare of Christian friends, we should pray for them. Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. Are not the best of us unwilling to come under Gods yoke, though there is no other way to find rest for the soul? Do we not for a little pleasure often part with our peace? And if we dispute less, and prayed more with and for each other, we should daily see more and more what is the hope of our calling, and the riches of the Divine glory in this inheritance. It is desirable to feel the mighty power of Divine grace, beginning and carrying on the work of faith in our souls. But it is difficult to bring a soul to believe fully in Christ, and to venture its all, and the hope of eternal life, upon his righteousness. Nothing less than Almighty power will work this in us. Here is signified that it is Christ the Saviour, who supplies all the necessities of those who trust in him, and gives them all blessings in the richest abundance. And by being partakers of Christ himself, we come to be filled with the fulness of grace and glory in him. How then do those forget themselves who seek for righteousness out of him! This teaches us to come to Christ. And did we know what we are called to, and what we might find in him, surely we should come and be suitors to him. When feeling our weakness and the power of our enemies, we most perceive the greatness of that mighty power which effects the conversion of the believer, and is engaged to perfect his salvation. Surely this will constrain us by love to live to our Redeemers glory. Ephesians 1 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible CHAPTER 1 Ephesians 1:1-23 . INSCRIPTION: ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH IN THE FATHERS ETERNAL COUNSEL, AND THE SONS BLOODSHEDDING: THE SEALING OF IT BY THE SPIRIT. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER THAT THEY MAY FULLY KNOW GODS GRACIOUS POWER IN CHRIST TOWARDS THE SAINTS. 1. by--rather, through the will of God: called to the apostleship through that same will which originated the Church ( Ephesians 1:5 Ephesians 1:9 Ephesians 1:11 ; compare Galatians 1:4 ). which are at to the saints . . . and to the faithful--The same persons are referred to by both designations, as the Greek proves: to those who are saints, and faithful in Christ Jesus. The sanctification by God is here put before mans faith. The twofold aspect of salvation is thus presented, Gods grace in the first instance sanctifying us, (that is, setting us apart in His eternal purposes as holy unto Himself); and our faith, by Gods gift, laying hold of salvation ( 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , 1 Peter 1:2 ). 2. ( Romans 1:7 , 1 Corinthians 1:3 , 2 Corinthians 1:2 , Galatians 1:3 ). 3. The doxologies in almost all the Epistles imply the real sense of grace experienced by the writers and their readers ( 1 Peter 1:3 ). Ephesians 1:3-14 sets forth summarily the Gospel of the grace of God: the FATHERS work of love, Ephesians 1:3 (choosing us to holiness, Ephesians 1:4 ; to sonship, Ephesians 1:5 ; to acceptance, Ephesians 1:6 ): the SONS, Ephesians 1:7 (redemption, Ephesians 1:7 ; knowledge of the mystery of His will, Ephesians 1:9 ; an inheritance, Ephesians 1:11 ); the HOLY SPIRITS, Ephesians 1:13 (sealing, Ephesians 1:13 ; giving an earnest of the inheritance, Ephesians 1:14 ). the God and Father of . . . Christ--and so the God and Father of us who are in Him ( John 20:17 ). God is the God of the man Jesus, and the Father of the Divine Word. The Greek is, Blessed us, not hath blessed us; referring to the past original counsel of God. As in creation ( Genesis 1:22 ) so in redemption ( Genesis 12:3 , Matthew 5:3-11 , 25:34 ) God blesses His children; and that not in mere words, but in acts. us--all Christians. blessings--Greek, blessing. All, that is, every possible blessing for time and eternity, which the Spirit has to bestow (so spiritual means; not spiritual, as the term is now used, as opposed to bodily). in heavenly places--a phrase five times found in this Epistle, and not elsewhere ( Ephesians 1:20 , Ephesians 2:6 , 3:10 , 6:12 ); Greek, in the heavenly places. Christs ascension is the means of introducing us into the heavenly places, which by our sin were barred against us. Compare the change made by Christ ( Colossians 1:20 , Ephesians 1:20 ). While Christ in the flesh was in the form of a servant, Gods people could not realize fully their heavenly privileges as sons. Now our citizenship (Greek) is in heaven ( Philippians 3:20 ), where our High Priest is ever blessing us. Our treasures are there ( Matthew 6:20 Matthew 6:21 ); our aims and affections ( Colossians 3:1 Colossians 3:2 ); our hope ( Colossians 1:5 , Titus 2:13 ); our inheritance ( 1 Peter 1:4 ). The gift of the Spirit itself, the source of the spiritual blessing, is by virtue of Jesus having ascended thither ( Ephesians 4:8 ). in Christ--the center and source of all blessing to us. 4. hath chosen us--Greek, chose us out for Himself (namely, out of the world, Galatians 1:4 ): referring to His original choice, spoken of as past. in him--The repetition of the idea, in Christ ( Ephesians 1:3 ), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, and by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings ( Ephesians 3:11 ). before the foundation of the world--This assumes the eternity of the Son of God ( John 17:5 John 17:24 ), as of the election of believers in Him ( 2 Timothy 1:9 , 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ). that we should be holy--positively ( Deuteronomy 14:2 ). without blame--negatively ( Ephesians 5:27 , 1 Thessalonians 3:13 ). before him--It is to Him the believer looks, walking as in His presence, before whom he looks to be accepted in the judgment ( Colossians 1:22 ; compare Revelation 7:15 ). in love--joined by BENGEL and others with Ephesians 1:5 , in love having predestinated us, &c. But English Version is better. The words qualify the whole clause, that we should be holy . . . before Him. Love, lost to man by the fall, but restored by redemption, is the root and fruit and sum of all holiness ( Ephesians 5:2 , 1 Thessalonians 3:12 1 Thessalonians 3:13 ). 5. predestinated--more special in respect to the end and precise means, than chosen or elected. We are chosen out of the rest of the world; predestinated to all things that secure the inheritance for us ( Ephesians 1:11 , Romans 8:29 ). Foreordained. by Jesus--Greek, through Jesus. to himself--the Father ( Colossians 1:20 ). ALFORD explains, adoption . . . into Himself, that is, so that we should be partakers of the divine nature ( 2 Peter 1:4 ). LACHMANN reads, unto Him. The context favors the explanation of CALVIN: God has regard to Himself and the glory of His grace ( Ephesians 1:6 Ephesians 1:12 Ephesians 1:14 ) as His ultimate end. He had one only-begotten Son, and He was pleased for His own glory, to choose out of a lost world many to become His adopted sons. Translate, unto Himself. the good pleasure of his will--So the Greek ( Matthew 11:26 , Luke 10:21 ). We cannot go beyond the good pleasure of His will in searching into the causes of our salvation, or of any of His works ( Ephesians 1:9 ). ( Job 33:13 .) Why needest thou philosophize about an imaginary world of optimism? Thy concern is to take heed that thou be not bad. There was nothing in us which deserved His love ( Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 1:9 Ephesians 1:11 ) [BENGEL]. 6. ( Ephesians 1:7 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 1:18 ). The end aimed at ( Psalms 50:23 ), that is, that the glory of His grace may be praised by all His creatures, men and angels. wherein--Some of the oldest manuscripts read, which. Then translate, which He graciously bestowed on us. But English Version is supported by good manuscripts and the oldest versions. us accepted--a kindred Greek word to grace: charitos, echaritosen: translate, graciously accepted; made us subjects of His grace; embraced us in the arms of His grace ( Romans 3:24 , 5:15 ). in the beloved--pre-eminently so called ( Matthew 3:17 , 17:5 , John 3:35 , Colossians 1:13 ). Greek, Son of His love. It is only IN HIS BELOVED that He loves us ( Ephesians 1:3 , 1 John 4:9 1 John 4:10 ). 7. In whom--the Beloved ( Ephesians 1:6 , Romans 3:24 ). we have--as a present possession. redemption--Greek, our (literally, the) redemption; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament ( Romans 3:24 ), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin ( Matthew 1:21 ). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his kinsman might redeem him ( Leviticus 25:48 ). Hence, antitypically the Son of God became the Son of man, that as our kinsman He might redeem us ( Matthew 20:28 ). Another redemption follows, namely, that of the purchased possession hereafter ( Ephesians 1:14 ). through his blood--( Ephesians 2:13 ); as the instrument; the propitiation, that is, the consideration (devised by His own love) for which He, who was justly angry ( Isaiah 12:1 ), becomes propitious to us; the expiation, the price paid to divine justice for our sin ( Acts 20:28 , Romans 3:25 , 1 Corinthians 6:20 , Colossians 1:20 , 1 Peter 1:18 1 Peter 1:19 ). the forgiveness of sins--Greek, the remission of our transgressions: not merely pretermission, as the Greek ( Romans 3:25 ) ought to be translated. This remission, being the explanation of redemption, includes not only deliverance from sins penalty, but from its pollution and enslaving power, negatively; and the reconciliation of an offended God, and a satisfaction unto a just God, positively. riches of his grace--( Ephesians 2:7 ); the exceeding riches of His grace. Compare Ephesians 1:18 , Ephesians 3:16 , according to the riches of His glory: so that grace is His glory. 8. Rather, which He made to abound towards us. all wisdom and prudence--wisdom in devising the plan of redeeming mankind; prudence in executing it by the means, and in making all the necessary arrangements of Providence for that purpose. Paul attributes to the Gospel of Gods grace all possible wisdom and prudence, in opposition to the boasts of wisdom and prudence which the unbelieving Jews and heathen philosophers and false apostles arrogated for their teachings. Christ crucified, though esteemed foolishness by the world, is the wisdom of God ( 1 Corinthians 1:18-30 ). Compare Ephesians 3:10 , the manifold wisdom of God. 9. He hath abounded, or made (grace) to abound toward us ( Ephesians 1:8 ), in that He made known to us, namely, experimentally, in our hearts. the mystery--Gods purpose of redemption hidden heretofore in His counsels, but now revealed ( Ephesians 6:19 , Romans 16:25 , Colossians 1:26 Colossians 1:27 ). This mystery is not like the heathen mysteries, which were imparted only to the initiated few. All Christians are the initiated. Only unbelievers are the uninitiated. according to his good pleasure--showing the cause why He hath made known to us the mystery, namely, His own loving good pleasure toward us; also the time and manner of His doing so, are according to His good pleasure. purposed--( Ephesians 1:11 ). in himself--God the Father. BENGEL takes it, in Him, that is, Christ, as in Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:4 . But the proper name, in Christ, Ephesians 1:10 , immediately after, is inconsistent with His being here meant by the pronoun. 10. Translate, Unto the dispensation of the fulness of the times, that is, which He purposed in Himself ( Ephesians 1:9 ) with a view to the economy of (the gracious administration belonging to) the fulness of the times (Greek, fit times, seasons). More comprehensive than the fulness of the time ( Galatians 4:4 ). The whole of the Gospel times (plural) is meant, with the benefits to the Church dispensed in them severally and successively. Compare the ages to come ( Ephesians 2:7 ). The ends of the ages (Greek, 1 Corinthians 10:11 ); the times (same Greek as here, the seasons, or fitly appointed times) of the Gentiles ( Luke 21:24 ); the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power ( Acts 1:7 ); the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the prophets since the world began ( Acts 3:20 Acts 3:21 ). The coming of Jesus at the first advent, in the fulness of time, was one of these times. The descent of the Holy Ghost, when Pentecost was fully come ( Acts 2:1 ), was another. The testimony given by the apostles to Him in due time (in its own seasons, Greek) ( 1 Timothy 2:6 ) was another. The conversion of the Jews when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, the second coming of Christ, the restitution of all things, the millennial kingdom, the new heaven and earth, shall be severally instances of the dispensation of the fulness of the times, that is, the dispensation of the Gospel events and benefits belonging to their respective times, when severally filled up or completed. God the Father, according to His own good pleasure and purpose, is the Dispenser both of the Gospel benefits and of their several fitting times ( Acts 1:7 ). gather together in one--Greek, sum up under one head; recapitulate. The good pleasure which He purposed, was to sum up all things (Greek, THE whole range of things) in Christ (Greek, the Christ, that is, His Christ) [ALFORD]. Gods purpose is to sum up the whole creation in Christ, the Head of angels, with whom He is linked by His invisible nature, and of men with whom He is linked by His humanity; of Jews and Gentiles; of the living and the dead ( Ephesians 3:15 ); of animate and inanimate creation. Sin has disarranged the creatures relation of subordination to God. God means to gather up all together in Christ; or as Colossians 1:20 says, By Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, whether things in earth or things in heaven. ALFORD well says, The Church of which the apostle here mainly treats, is subordinated to Him in the highest degree of conscious and joyful union; those who are not His spiritually, in mere subjugation, yet consciously; the inferior tribes of creation unconsciously; but objectively, all are summed up in Him. 11. In whom--by virtue of union to whom. obtained an inheritance--literally, We were made to have an inheritance [WAHL]. Compare Ephesians 1:18 , His inheritance in the saints: as His inheritance is there said to be in them, so theirs is here said to be in Him ( Acts 26:18 ). However, Ephesians 1:12 , That we should BE TO . . . His glory (not that we should have), favors the translation of BENGEL, ELLICOTT, and others, We were made an inheritance. So the literal Israel ( Deuteronomy 4:20 , 9:29 , 32:9 ). Also does not mean we also, nor as English Version, in whom also; but, besides His having made known to us His will, we were also made His inheritance, or we have also obtained an inheritance. predestinated--( Ephesians 1:5 ). The foreordination of Israel, as the elect nation, answers to that of the spiritual Israelites, believers, to an eternal inheritance, which is the thing meant here. The we here and in Ephesians 1:12 , means Jewish believers (whence the reference to the election of Israel nationally arises), as contrasted with you ( Ephesians 1:13 ) Gentile believers. purpose--repeated from purposed ( Ephesians 1:9 , Ephesians 3:11 ). The Church existed in the mind of God eternally, before it existed in creation. counsel of his . . . will--( Ephesians 1:5 ), the good pleasure of His will. Not arbitrary caprice, but infinite wisdom (counsel) joined with sovereign will. Compare his address to the same Ephesians in Acts 20:27 , All the counsel of God ( Isaiah 28:29 ). Alike in the natural and spiritual creations, God is not an agent constrained by necessity. Wheresoever counsel is, there is election, or else it is vain; where a will, there must be freedom, or else it is weak [PEARSON]. 12. ( Ephesians 1:6 Ephesians 1:14 ). who first trusted in Christ--rather (we Jewish Christians), who have before hoped in the Christ: who before the Christ came, looked forward to His coming, waiting for the consolation of Israel. Compare Acts 26:6 Acts 26:7 , I am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. Acts 28:20 , the hope of Israel [ALFORD]. Compare Ephesians 1:18 , 2:12 , 4:4 . 13. In whom ye also--Ye Gentiles. Supply as English Version, trusted, from Ephesians 1:12 ; or are. The priority of us Jews does not exclude you Gentiles from sharing in Christ (compare Acts 13:46 ). the word of truth--the instrument of sanctification, and of the new birth ( John 17:17 , 2 Timothy 2:15 , 1:18 ). Compare Colossians 1:5 , where also, as here, it is connected with hope. Also Ephesians 4:21 . sealed--as Gods confirmed children, by the Holy Spirit as the seal ( Acts 19:1-6 Romans 8:16 Romans 8:23 1 John 3:24 ). validity to the contract in it ( John 3:33 , 6:27 ; compare 2 Corinthians 3:3 ). So the sense of the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost ( Romans 5:5 ), and the sense of adoption given through the Spirit at regeneration ( Romans 8:15 Romans 8:16 ), assure believers of Gods good will to them. The Spirit, like a seal, impresses on the soul at regeneration the image of our Father. The sealing by the Holy Spirit is spoken of as past once for all. The witnessing to our hearts that we are the children of God, and heirs ( Ephesians 1:11 ), is the Spirits present testimony, the earnest of the (coming) inheritance ( Romans 8:16-18 ). that Holy Spirit of promise--rather, as the Greek, The Spirit of promise, even the Holy Spirit: The Spirit promised both in the Old and New Testaments ( Joel 2:28 , Zechariah 12:10 , John 7:38 John 7:39 ). The word promised the Holy Spirit. Those who believed the word of truth were sealed by the Spirit accordingly. 14. earnest--the first instalment paid as a pledge that the rest will follow ( Romans 8:23 , 2 Corinthians 1:22 ). until--rather, Unto the redemption, &c.; joined thus, ye were sealed ( Ephesians 1:13 ) unto, that is, for the purpose of and against, the accomplishment of the redemption, namely, not the redemption in its first stage, made by the blood of Christ, which secures our title, but, in its final completion, when the actual possession shall be ours, the full redemption of the body ( Romans 8:23 ), as well as of the soul, from every infirmity ( Ephesians 4:30 ). The deliverance of the creature (the body, and the whole visible creation) from the bondage of corruption, and from the usurping prince of this world, into the glorious liberty of the children of God ( Romans 8:21-23 , 2 Peter 3:13 ). of the purchased possession--Gods people purchased (acquired, Greek) as His peculiar (Greek) possession by the blood of Christ ( Acts 20:28 ). We value highly that which we pay a high price for; so God, His Church ( Ephesians 5:25 Ephesians 5:26 , 1 Peter 1:18 , 2:9 ; my special treasure, Malachi 3:17 , Margin). 15. Wherefore--because ye are in Christ and sealed by His Spirit ( Ephesians 1:13 Ephesians 1:14 ). I also--on my part, in return for Gods so great benefits to you. after I heard--ever since I have heard. Not implying that he had only heard of their conversion: an erroneous argument used by some against the address of this Epistle to the Ephesians since he was with them, as to their Christian graces. So in the case of Philemon, his beloved fellow laborer ( Philemon 1:1 ), he uses the same words ( philemon 1:4 philemon 1:5 ). your faith--rather, as Greek, the faith among you, that is, which many (not all) of you have. love unto all the saints--of whatever name, simply because they are saints. A distinguishing characteristic of true Christianity ( Ephesians 6:24 ). Faith and love he often joins together. A wondrous pair [CHRYSOSTOM]. Hope is added, Ephesians 1:18 . 16. ( Colossians 1:9 ). of you--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Then the translation may be as English Version still, or as ALFORD, making mention of them (your faith and love). 17. A fit prayer for all Christians. the God of our Lord Jesus--appropriate title here; as in Ephesians 1:20-22 he treats of Gods raising Jesus to be Head over all things to the Church. Jesus Himself called the Father My God ( Matthew 27:46 ). the Father of glory--(Compare Acts 7:2 ). The Father of that infinite glory which shines in the face of Christ, who is the glory (the true Shekinah); through whom also the glory of the inheritance ( Ephesians 1:18 ) shall be ours (John 17:242 Corinthians 3:7-4:6). the spirit of wisdom--whose attribute is infinite wisdom and who works wisdom in believers ( Isaiah 11:2 ). and revelation--whose function it is to reveal to believers spiritual mysteries ( John 16:14 John 16:15 , 1 Corinthians 2:10 ). in the knowledge--rather, as Greek in the full knowledge of Him, namely, God. 18. understanding--The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read heart. Compare the contrary state of unbelieving, the heart being in fault ( Ephesians 4:18 , Matthew 13:15 ). Translate, Having the eyes of your heart enlightened ( Ephesians 5:14 , Matthew 4:16 ). The first effect of the Spirit moving in the new creation, as in the original physical creation ( Genesis 1:3 , 2 Corinthians 4:6 ). So THEOPHILUS to AUTOLYCUS (1.3), the ears of the heart. Where spiritual light is, there is life ( John 1:4 ). The heart is the core of life [HARLESS], and the fountain of the thoughts; whence the heart in Scripture includes the mind, as well as the inclination. Its eye, or inward vision, both receives and contemplates the light ( Matthew 6:22 Matthew 6:23 ). The eye is the symbol of intelligence ( Ezekiel 1:18 ). the hope of his calling--the hope appertaining to His having called you; or, to the calling wherewith He has called you. and--omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions. riches of the glory--( Colossians 1:27 ). his inheritance in the saints--The inheritance which he has in store in the case of the saints. I prefer explaining, The inheritance which He has in his saints. Deuteronomy 32:9 ). 19. exceeding--surpassing. power to us-ward who believe--The whole of the working of His grace, which He is carrying on, and will carry on, in us who believe. By the term saints ( Ephesians 1:18 ), believers are regarded as absolutely perfected, and so as being Gods inheritance; in this verse, as in the course of fighting the good fight of faith. according to--in accordance wit,h, what might be expected from. working--Greek, the energizing; translate, the effectual working ( Ephesians 3:7 ). The same superhuman power was needed and exerted to make us believe, as was needed and exerted to raise Christ from the dead ( Ephesians 1:20 ). Compare Philippians 3:10 , the power of His resurrection ( Colossians 2:12 , 1 Peter 1:3-5 ). of his mighty power--Greek, of the strength of His might. 20. in Christ--as our first-fruits of the resurrection, and Head, in virtue of Gods mighty working in whom His power to us-ward is made possible and actual [ALFORD]. when he raised him--in that He raised Him. The raising of Christ is not only an earnest of our bodies being hereafter raised, but has a spiritual power in it involving (by virtue of our living union with Him, as members with the Head) the resurrection, spiritually of the believers soul now, and, consequently, of his body hereafter ( Romans 6:8-11 , 8:11 ). The Son, too, as God (though not as man), had a share in raising His own human body ( John 2:19 , John 10:17 John 10:18 ). Also the Holy Spirit ( Romans 1:4 , 1 Peter 3:18 ). set him--Greek, made Him sit. The glorious spirits stand about the throne of God, but they do not sit at Gods right hand ( Hebrews 1:13 ). at his own right hand--( Psalms 110:1 ). Where He remains till all His enemies have been put under His feet ( 1 Corinthians 15:24 ). Being appointed to rule in the midst of His enemies during their rebellion ( Psalms 110:2 ), He shall resign His commission after their subjection [PEARSON] ( 16:19 , Hebrews 1:3 , 10:12 ). in the heavenly places--( Ephesians 1:3 ). As Christ has a literal body, heaven is not merely a state, but a place; and where He is, there His people shall be ( John 14:3 ). 21. Greek, Far (or high) above all ( Ephesians 4:10 ) principality (or rule, 1 Corinthians 15:24 ), and authority, and power ( Matthew 28:18 ), and dominion (or lordship). Compare Philippians 2:9 , Colossians 1:16 , Hebrews 7:26 , 1 Peter 3:22 . Evil spirits (who are similarly divided into various ranks, Ephesians 6:12 ), as well as angels of light, and earthly potentates, are included (compare Romans 8:38 ). Jesus is King of kings, and Lord of lords ( Revelation 19:16 ). The higher is His honor, the greater is that of His people, who are His members joined to Him, the Head. Some philosophizing teachers of the school of Simon Magus, in Western Asia Minor, had, according to IRENÆUS and EPIPHANIUS, taught their hearers these names of various ranks of angels. Paul shows that the truest wisdom is to know Christ as reigning above them all. every name--every being whatever. Any other creature ( Romans 8:39 ). in this world--Greek, age, that is, the present order of things. Things present . . . things to come ( Romans 8:38 ). that . . . to come--Names which now we know not, but shall know hereafter in heaven. We know that the emperor goes before all, though we cannot enumerate all the satraps and ministers of his court; so we know that Christ is set above all, although we cannot name them all [BENGEL]. 22. put . . . under--Greek, put in subjection under ( Psalms 8:6 , 1 Corinthians 15:27 ). gave . . . to the church--for her special advantage. The Greek order is emphatic: HIM He gave as Head over all things to the Church. Had it been anyone save HIM, her Head, it would not have been the boon it is to the Church. But as He is Head over all things who is also her Head (and she the body), all things are hers ( 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 ). He is OVER (far above) all things; in contrast to the words, TO the Church, namely, for her advantage. The former are subject; the latter is joined with Him in His dominion over them. Head implies not only His dominion, but our union; therefore, while we look upon Him at the right hand of God, we see ourselves in heaven ( Revelation 3:21 ). For the Head and body are not severed by anything intervening, else the body would cease to be the body, and the Head cease to be the Head [PEARSON from CHRYSOSTOM]. 23. his body--His mystical and spiritual, not literal, body. Not, however, merely figurative, or metaphorical. He is really, though spiritually, the Churchs Head. His life is her life. She shares His crucifixion and His consequent glory. He possesses everything, His fellowship with the Father, His fulness of the Spirit, and His glorified manhood, not merely for Himself, but for her, who has a membership of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones ( Ephesians 5:30 ). fulness--the filled-up receptacle [EADIE]. The Church is dwelt in and filled by Christ. She is the receptacle, not of His inherent, but of His communicated, plenitude of gifts and graces. As His is the fulness ( John 1:16 , Colossians 1:19 , 2:9 ) inherently, so she is His fulness by His impartation of it to her, in virtue of her union to Him ( Ephesians 5:18 , Colossians 2:10 ). The full manifestation of His being, because penetrated by His life [CONYBEARE and HOWSON]. She is the continued revelation of His divine life in human form; the fullest representative of His plenitude. Not the angelic hierarchy, as false teachers taught ( Colossians 2:9 Colossians 2:10 Colossians 2:18 ), but Christ Himself is the fulness of the Godhead, and she represents Him. KOPPE translates less probably, the whole universal multitude. filleth all in all--Christ as the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of the world, constituted by God ( Colossians 1:16-19 ), fills all the universe of things with all things. Fills all creation with whatever it possesses [ALFORD]. The Greek is, filleth for Himself. Receive FREE Newsletters from BibleStudyTools! Bible Study Tools WeeklyUpdates from BibleStudyTools NIV Verse of the DayOne inspirational Bible verse each day from BibleStudyTools in the New International Version Proverb of the Day - ESVDaily wisdom from the book of Proverbs in the English Standard Version Daily Bible Reading - ESVBible Reading - English Standard Version More Newsletters ▶ SUBSCRIBE To receive email newsletters, updates, and special offers from Biblestudytools, select your newsletter(s), enter your email address, and click Subscribe. 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Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 05:33:22 +0000
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